Norway’s asylum policy in chaos amid Russian intransigence

Media sources reported in January 2016 on the increasingly popular migration route crossing the Artic circle between Russia and Norway, and the latter's intention to plug the gap in its Arctic border and implement a strict clampdown on asylum.

Norway's attempt to deport hundreds of asylum seekers to Russia met considerable obstacles, following Russia's objection to the programme and the difficulties politicians found to defend it in the face of criticism from human rights groups and the church.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Norway's Listhaug unveils tighter asylum rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/norways-listhaug-unveils-tighter-asylum-rules/

ESO: Background information: Norway demands answers from Moscow over Arctic migrant route http://www.europeansources.info/record/norway-demands-answers-from-moscow-over-arctic-migrant-route/

Politico, 25.01.16: Finland and Norway tangle with Russia over migrants http://www.politico.eu/article/finland-and-norway-tangle-with-russia-over-migrants-refugees-asylum-organized-crime/

Sputnik International, 25.01.16: Norway, Russia Have Shared Understanding of Refugee Problem - Oslo http://sptnkne.ws/a5Ek

Deutsche Welle, 24.01.16: Russia shuts arctic border to Norway over 'security reasons' http://dw.com/p/1HjBJ

The Moscow Times, 25.01.16: Russia Closes Arctic Border to Norway Amid Security Concerns http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-closes-arctic-border-to-norway-amid-security-concerns/556843.html

Sputnik International, 25.01.16: Several Hundred Migrants Awaiting Deportation from Norway to Russia http://sptnkne.ws/a5Eq

The Local.no, 21.01.16: Migrants: Norway 'sending us to death' in Russia http://www.thelocal.no/20160121/migrants-norway-is-sending-us-to-death-in-russia

The Local.no, 25.01.16: Asylum seekers leave Norway over 'unrealistic perceptions' http://www.thelocal.no/20160125/over-800-asylum-seekers-withdrew-requests-from-norway

The Local.no, 24.01.16: Norway suspends return of migrants from Russia http://www.thelocal.no/20160124/norway-temporarily-halts-return-of-migrants-from-russia

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